A guide to the coins showing it's progression from being a persecuted religion to one of the world's biggest faiths

This guide is intended for those that are interested in Biblical history. I explore the coins from the lifetime of Jesus Christ, one known as the Widow's Mite, the Tribute Penny, the 30 Pieces of Silver, Pontius Pilate and much more. A Roman coin of Nero is also shown to illustrate one of the early persecutors of the Christian faith. We then move on to the coins of the spread of Christianity through the Roman empire. A coin of Nicaea is shown, which is from the specific city that the Council of Nicaea was held which made Christianity the way it is today. Moving forward I show you an ancient coin of Constantine the Great from the time of the Council of Nicaea. We explore the topic of "By this sign you shall conquer" and what the symbol looked and how it was placed on ancient Roman coins as the Chi-Rho, also known as the Christogram or Christ monogram. A coin of Saint Helena is shown, who did a lot for the spread of Christianity and also Constantine the Great's mother. From this point we move on to an example of the Christian cross on a small Roman coin. After which point, we see the depiction of Jesus Christ on bronze and gold coins of the Byzantine empire.

The different types of coins explored.

You will see the various different types of ancient biblical, Roman and Byzantine medieval coins as the story of early Christianity progresses from ancient times. After each section, if there is an article that goes into more depth regarding the subject, a link is given for you to explore. Clicking on the coin pictures will take you to a page searching my eBay store for the subject of interest. The goal of this guide is to introduce more people to the fascinating topic of ancient coin collecting, and at the same time allowing to research the types that are available.

Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan) - Jewish King of the Hosmonean Kingdom 103-76 B.C.E. - Bronze 'Prutah' 15mm (1.62 grams) mint of Jerusalem 103-76 B.C. Reference: Hendin 469 Anchor, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (of King Alexander). Star of eight rays surrounded by diadem, between the rays, (Yehonatan the King). * Numismatic Note: This type of coin is known to bible history as the "Widow's Mite". Synoptic Gospels (Mark 12:38-44, Luke 20:45-47,21:1-4) where Jesus was teaching in the Temple of Jerusalem. In the story a poor widow woman gives her last 2 mites, the least valuable coins of the time. And Jesus points out that even though she gave very little, she gave her all, where some had a lot more and gave very little in comparison to their blessings.

Decentius - Roman Caesar: 351-353 A.D. Bronze Double-Centenionalis or AE1 26mm (7.64 grams) Trier mint 352 A.D. Reference: RIC 319 D N DECENTI VS FORT CAES, draped and cuirassed bust right, SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES, chi-rho flanked by the Alphan (A) and Omenga (W); TRP in exergue. The Chi-Rho is the monogram of Jesus Christ. The A and W on the left represent the Alpha and Omega which Christ was described as in the book of Revelations.

Byzantine EmpireAnonymous Class G Bronze Follis 26mm (7.49 grams) Struck during the reign of Romanus IV, Diogenes - Byzantine Emperor: 1 January 1068 A.D. - 19 August 1071 A.D. Reference: Sear 1867 Bust of Christ facing , wearing a nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction; in left hand, scroll; to left, IC; to right, XC; border of large pellets. Facing bust of the Virgin orans, nimbate and wearing pallium and maphorium; to left, MP; to right, ΘV; border of large pellets. For more than a century, the production of Follis denomination Byzantine coins had religious Christian motifs which included included Jesus Christ, and even Virgin Mary. These coins were designed to honor Christ and recognize the subservient role of the Byzantine emperor, with many of the reverse inscriptions translating to "Jesus Christ King of Kings" and "May Jesus Christ Conquer". The Follis denomination coins were the largest bronze denomination coins issued by the Byzantine empire, and their large size, along with the Christian motif make them a popular coin type for collectors. This series ran from the period of Byzantine emperors John I (969-976 A.D.) to Alexius I (1081-1118 A.D.). The accepted classification was originally devised by Miss Margaret Thompson with her study of these types of coins. World famous numismatic author, David R. Sear adopted this classification system for his book entitled, Byzantine Coins and Their Values. The references about this coin site Mr. Sear's book by the number that they appear in that work. The class types of coins included Class A1, Class A2, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, Class F,Class G, Class H, Class I, Class J, Class K. Read more and see examples of these coins by reading the JESUS CHRIST Anonymous Class A-N Byzantine Follis Coins Reference. Click here to see all the Jesus Christ Anonymous Follis coins for sale.Click here to see all coins bearing Jesus Christ or related available for sale.

How-to to put together a collection of beautiful ancient coins

GOLD. The word in itself connotes opulence, greatness, beauty and power. This guide is designed to teach you about the various different coins possible to collect. What is shown in this video and the article with pictures of the items from the video are ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, medieval and world coins, along with several artifacts of interest, all sharing one thing in common, being made of GOLD! May this guide inspire you, or perhaps just show you the art and history of ancient coins. The coins shown in this video and article are coins available in my Ancient Greek Roman and Biblical Coin eBay store. Where along with gold, I have coins made of silver and bronze also, with bronze being most plentiful, so this way I have something for everyone, whether you are a beginner collector or want to pick out a unique gift, for under $50 (a beautiful bronze) coin I have what you need. You can see what I have offered at this moment:

The Different types of Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and World Coins

This is just a small selection of the vast world of the various ancient and world coins available for sale. The benefit that my patrons have in dealing with me is my vast experience of having worked with over 55,000 items which allows you to leverage my many years experience, along with a large over 14,000 item inventory to select some really interesting and rare numismatic items and antiquities. I guarantee all of my items authentic for a lifetime, and provide them with a professional Certificate of Authenticity with professional research and photographs of the item. Read on to see the pictures and the descriptions of the different coins I displayed in the video above.

Byzantine Empire Michael VIII, Palaeologus - Emperor: August 15, 1261 A.D. - December 11, 1282 A.D. - Emperor of Nicaea: 1258-1261 A.D. Gold Hyperpyron 26mm (4.21 grams) Reference: Sear 2243 Bust of Virgin orans "Theotokos" within city walls of Constantinople with six groups of towers, rising over the walls. Michael left, kneeling before seated Christ who holds scroll, supported by St. Michael.This type was struck in commemoration of the capture of the city of Constantinople from the Latins.

Roman Silver Gold Plated Application Turned into Jewelry Artifact with Cupids Circa 50-150 A.D. 1.5 x 0.9 centimeters (2.37 grams)Two cupids stand on top of two children, lifting up a a giant kantharos (wine mixing vessel). It is apparent that this was worn in ancient times as a piece of Jewelry. It is interesting because it brings up imagery of Cupid, the son of Venus and the wine drinking symbolism of Bacchus, the Roman equivalent of Dionysus.

Women portrayed on coins, the empresses, queens and divas on the historical coins of ancient Greece and Rome

The ancient times were populated with many royal rulers. Many people do not even look at the power behind the throne was actually, many times, a woman. Some of the ones that capture the imagination being Queen Cleoptra VII of Egypt, lover to both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony and mother to their children. Without the role of women in history, we are missing fifty percent of the historical context or more. Many of the coins these women issued are still available for our collecting pleasure. The goal of this guide is to give you a list of just some of the women portrayed on coins of the ancient times. You can click on the name of each of the women on this list and easily search my eBay coin store to see her ancient coins available for sale and learn more about each. You may want to also visit the ancient Roman coin collecting guide which has a chronological list of the emperors and empresses of the Roman empire.

* Numismatic Note: Authentic ancient Greek coin of King Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. Intriguing coin referring to his Olympic victory.

History and Meaning of the Coin

During the times of ancient Greeks, horse racing was one of the events various Greek city-states and kingdoms would have intense competition with each other, as it was of great prestige to participate. Before the time of Philip II, the kingdom of Macedonia was considered barbarian and not Greek. Philip II was the first king of Macedon that was accepted for participation in the event, which was a great honor all in itself. It was an even greater honor that Philip's horses would go on to win two horse-racing events. In 356 B.C., he won the single horse event and then in 348 B.C. chariot pulled by two horses event. As a way to proudly announce, or what some would say propagandize these honors, Philip II placed a reference to these great victories on his coins struck in all three metals of bronze, silver and gold. The ancient historian, Plutarch, wrote "[Philip of Macedon] ... had victories of his chariots at Olympia stamped on his coins."

By circa 330 A.D., Constantine the Great completed his new capital for the Roman empire called Constantinople. For this momentous occasion, he issued two commemorative coin types, one celebrating Rome and the other Constantinople. The type that commemorated Rome had the personification of Rome, Roma with the inscription VRBS ROMA and the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus on the reverse suckling the she-wolf. The type that commemorated Constantinople had the personification of Constantinople on the obverse and Victory on a galley sailing with a shield. This was a great way for Constantine the Great to pay homage to both Rome and Constantinople.

I am writing this article as an ancient coin expert, dealer and enthusiast of many years. I have worked with over 53,000 ancient coins. I have some simple techniques that make coin collecting fun and organized. This is geared for those that want to manage their small to large coin collection with effectiveness and professionalism. I cover topics such as where to buy, how to keep records and how to organize and display your coin collection.

Shop with Reputable Coin Dealers

Shop with a reputable ancient Greek and Roman coin dealer. It is best if he/she has a great track record and provide a guarantee of authenticity. Also a beautiful certificate is also an added bonus. A reputable seller would be happy to give a refund or exchange should professional coin grading companies or people such as David R. Sear or NGC find a coin is other than described.

Keep Records

When you buy coins, get the certificates of authenticity keep them in a standard vinyl binder in sheet protectors which you can get an any place they sell office supplies. You can also print out a receipt of the PayPal payment you sent and possibly the contact details of the seller you bought from. I have had personal experience when I purchased a coin from another dealer and since I did not keep the receipt at the time, it left a sour taste in both of our mouths when I had to return the coin, I knowing that I bought it from them and having no proof. So this would facilitate an easy return and refund as you kept a record of the item. This way you can buy from many different dealers, and also remember how much the item cost, should you want to sell it in the future, plus you have the description right there, should you want to place it on eBay or another venue. Another helpful technique is to write a little item number of the coin and write it on the little slip of paper that coin in the coin flip and having a list where you write the number where you kept it. Think also about this, a lot of collectors don't keep records and if they pass on and nobody in the family ever got involved with the coins, nobody knows how much they paid, so they may not got the price the original collector paid. Something worthwhile to think about. Keeping score is very important.

Keep Your Coin Collection Organized

I recommend keeping your coins in boxes that are of standard size a 2X2 inch standard. The coins themselves I recommend in non-plasticized coin flips, I recommend getting the package with the little papers so that if anything you can write info on those, such as how much you paid or corresponding to your record keeping system. If you want to display your coins, you can put them on a tray and enjoy their beauty. So below are the coin flips, trays and boxes I use everyday for storage and display of my coins:

These double pocket coin flips are available in 1 1/2, 2 x 2 and 2 1/2 inch sizes, some include paper inserts.Non-Plasticized flips are slightly more rigid than regular vinyl flips. They are considered safe for long term storage of your coins.

Organize and display your coins with our felt coin display trays, designed to be used with our Aluminum coin display case (above) or as a stand alone item. Measures 16 1/8" x 10½"Our display trays are available for storing cardboard coin holders in 1½" x 1½" and 2" x 2" sizes and for slab coin holders in either a horizontal or vertical arrangement; or a full flat tray to use any way you like!

The Coins of Constantine the Great and Related

Below is a link to some of the finest examples of ancient Roman coins of Constantine the Great and the related family. Reading this article and watching this video will help you also become an expert in these types of coins. Some of the advantages of collecting coins of this period, is that they are some of the most affordable coins of the time period. Also reading this article and watching this video, you can learn more about the more rare types of coins that are available so you know exactly what to look for. With 27 high quality and rare examples illustrated here, you can also explore more in my eBay Store. With over 13,000 coins and artifacts to choose from, you may find exactly what you are looking for. Every item is guaranteed authentic for a lifetime, comes with a beautiful certificate of authenticity (professionally researched, leveraging my many years of experience) FREE, and a 30 day unconditional money back satisfaction guarantee. You can make an offer on almost my entire inventory, so you can always find some amazing discounts and deals on ancient coins. I believe in having my patrons return for a lifetime, so satisfaction is my goal. If you haven't bought a coin in the best, you are in the right hands dealing with someone whom is both passionate and professional in the subject .

Constantine I 'The Great' - Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. - ROME CITY COMMEMORATIVE Bronze AE3 17mm (2.52 grams) London mint 307-333 A.D. Reference: cf.S.16526, RIC 257, B 221 VRBSROMA - Roma helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust left. No legend Exe: Double crescent/PLG - Wolf standing left, suckling Romulus and Remus; two stars above.By circa 330 A.D., Constantine the Great completed his new capital for the Roman empire called Constantinople. For this momentous occasion, he issued two commemorative coin types, one celebrating Rome and the other Constantinople. The type that commemorated Rome had the personification of Rome, Roma with the inscription VRBS ROMA and the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus on the reverse suckling the she-wolf. The type that commemorated Constantinople had the personification of Constantinople on the obverse and Victory on a galley sailing with a shield. This was a great way for Constantine the Great to pay homage to both Rome and Constantinople.

Constantine I 'The Great' - Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. - Founding of New Roman Capital - CONSTANTINOPLE Commemorative - Bronze AE4 16mm (2.68 grams) London mint 330-333 A.D. Reference: Possibly Unpublished CONSTANTINOPLIS - Constantinopolis helmeted, laureate bust left, holding scepter over shoulder. No legend Exe: PLG- Victory standing left, stepping on galley prow, cradling scepter and resting hand on shield.* Numismatic Note: Commemorates founding of Constantinople as new Roman capital by Constantine I the Great.By circa 330 A.D., Constantine the Great completed his new capital for the Roman empire called Constantinople. For this momentous occasion, he issued two commemorative coin types, one celebrating Rome and the other Constantinople. The type that commemorated Rome had the personification of Rome, Roma with the inscription VRBS ROMA and the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus on the reverse suckling the she-wolf. The type that commemorated Constantinople had the personification of Constantinople on the obverse and Victory on a galley sailing with a shield. This was a great way for Constantine the Great to pay homage to both Rome and Constantinople.

Class H

Byzantine Empire Anonymous Class H Follis 24mm (9.23 grams) Struck during the reign of Michael VII Emperor: October 24,1071 - March 24, 1078 A.D. Reference: Sear 1880 Bust of Christ facing , wearing a nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction; in left hand, book of Gospels; to left, IC; to right, XC; normal border. Patriarchal cross, with globule and two pellets at each extremity; in lower field, on either side, floral ornament.

Class I

Byzantine Empire Anonymous Class I BrBronze Follis 24mm (4.65 grams) Struck during the reign of Nicephorus III - 24 March 1078 - 4 April 1081 A.D. Reference: Sear 1889 Bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in beneditcion, in left hand, the book of Gospels, IC to left, XC to right; within border. Latin cross, with X at center, and globule and two pellets at each extremity; in lower field, on either side, floral ornament; in uppper field, on either side, crescent.

Class J

Byzantine Empire Anonymous Class J ByByzantine Follis 25mm (4.38 grams) Struck during the reign of Alexius I, Comnenus Byzantine Emperor: 4 April 1081 – 15 August 1118 A.D. Reference: Sear 1900 Bust of Christ facing, cross behind head; He wears pallium and colobium, raises right hand in benediction, and holds book of Gospels in left; in upper field, C - C; in lower field, IC - XC. Cross, with globule and two pellets at each extremity; beneath, large crescent; around, four globules, each surrounded by pellets. * Numismatic Note: Alexius I was the Byzantine emperor during the time of the First Crusade.

Class K

Byzantine Empire Anonymous Class K BrBronze Follis 22mm (6.75 grams) Struck during the reign of Alexius I, Comnenus Byzantine Emperor: 4 April 1081 – 15 August 1118 A.D. Reference: Sear 1901 Bust of Christ facing , wearing a nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction; in left hand, book of Gospels; to left, IC; to right, XC; border of large pellets. Three-qauarter length figure of the Virgin orans, nimbate and wearing pallium and maphorium; on either side of nimbus, M - Θ or MP - ΘV; border of large pellets. * Numismatic Note: Alexius I was the Byzantine emperor during the time of the First Crusade.

Learn more about the Types of Coins issued by the Kingdom of Nabataea of ancient Petra in Jordan and the Greek and Roman coins

Ancient Arabia from circa 250's B.C. to circa 250 A.D. is an interesting topic to explore. There were many different types of coins issued. One of the most powerful kingdoms of the area was the Kingdom of Nabataea. This was a kingdom based in the middle of the desert and was known as a Caravan Kingdom as a lot of caravans passed through there on their way from further south and even east. The kingdom prospered and to this day, the ruins that are left from that time period are gorgeous and an archeological site of importance. Arabia was to the south of ancient Jerusalem and is therefore an important neighbor that has played a role in ancient biblical history. The Romans at one point consolidated all of Arabia into a province with same name, ending the Kingdom of Nabataea along with others. The goal of this guide is to explore many different types of ancient coins.

Arabia Kingdom of Saba Silver 'Tetradrachm' 28mm (4.87 grams) Struck circa 160-130 B.C. Reference: HGC 10, 725; Munro-Hay 1.13il Laureate male head with long hair right. Owl standing right on amphora; monograms to left and right.* Numismatic Note: The coins of this kingdom use the reverse similar to the "New Style" tetradrachm coins of Athens, and what the obverse ostensibly is similar to the Roman Republican L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi denarius or perhaps a royal portrait.

Roman Republic M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus moneyer Silver Denarius 18mm (3.68 grams) Rome mint at Rome 58 B.C. Reference: Aemilia 8; B.M.C. 3878; Syd. 913; Craw. 422/lb; Hendin 1443 M . SCAVR / AED CVR above king Aretas kneeling beside a camel r., EX on , S . C on right, REX ARETAS in exergue. HYPSAE (vs) / AED CVR above Jupiter in quadriga left, CAPTVM on right, c. HYPSAEVS cos PREIV (ER) in ex. scorpion below horses.This coin commemorated the victory over Aretas III by Pompey the Great's general, Marcus Aemilius Scaurus. King Aretas III was an ally and supported John Hyrcanus II in war against his brother, Aristobulus II. Upon defeat, King Aretas had to pay a massive sum of 300 talents as a fine to Pompey the Great. M. Aemilius and Pub. Plautius were curule aediles together in 58 B.C. It is interesting to note that this is one of the earliest types that had the moneyer commemorate their own accomplishments on a coin."Aristobulus was not able to make resistance, but was deserted in his first onset, and was driven to Jerusalem: he also had been taken at first by force, if Scaurus, the Roman general, had not come and seasonably interposed himself and raised the siege." (Josephus, Wars, 1, VI:2) Click here to see all coins of the Roman Republic for sale or read the Guide to the Coins of the Roman Republic

The Seafaring Vessels of Ancient Times used for Trade War and Recreation

As you sit and marvel at the piece of history in your hand, you can almost place yourself inside the seafaring vessel and feel the feelings and almost see the sights the ancients went through. The ancient Greek and Roman empires and kingdoms were well inter-connected via the sea route and would have major trade going on between them. An example is that ancient Egypt was a major source of grain supply for the people of ancient Rome. They used ships and galleys to go between each place to spread culture, ideas, goods and even domination. The ancient Romans got major influences from the Greeks which they adapted via the trade and conquests they achieved hundreds of years BC. This article is meant to be as a survey of the types of ancient coins that depicted ships on them. What is interesting is that there was a major turning point in Western history that had to do with a ship battle that emperor Augustus' general Agrippa fought against Mark Antony, whom was commanding the fleet of the famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra. This battle in 31 B.C. Actium was the turning point which left the power of the Roman Empire in the hands of one man alone, Augustus. It is interesting to note for example, that the only biological son that Julius Caesar had was growing up under the care of Cleopatra, and if orders were not sent to eliminate him, there would be a rival to the power Augustus had. It is interesting to also note that ships were depicted on coins of many Greek cities, such as Sidon, Askalon and on coins of King Demetrios Poliorcetes of Macedon, and so much more. The study of ships all on its own could occupy many volumes. The topic had been the focal point of many ancient coin collections. Search for ships or galleys within my store here.